In brief

02 April, 2010

l Stratford’s Wine Agencies has launched Snoqualmie Naked organic wines from Columbia Valley, Washington. The range includes a 2008 Riesling and Chardonnay, and 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with rrps from £10.99 to £11.99.

PLB has appointed Lisa Bennett in a new role as brand manager for its French agencies, which account for 21.6% of its portfolio. Bennett joins PLB from Champagne Lanson where she was trade marketing executive.

Bernard Magrez had added a new vineyard in the Douro to his portfolio of eight overseas vineyards. He says the first cuvée, Esperança, is one of the “jewels” of his range, with only 6,000 to 8,000 bottles being produced.

Champagne Pommery Apanage Rosé is to be clad in haute couture this Easter in a bottle wrap created by Indian designer Manish Arora. Created exclusively for the Harrods Wonderland theme, the special-edition jacket and Champagne are priced at £150.

Maule winery VIA Wines has appointed US wine consultant Larry Levin to work alongside head winemaker Rafael Tirado on the Chilcas brand. Levin has nearly three decades of experience working with fine wines, with stints at Quintessa, Mondavi, Franciscan and Mount Veeder to his name.

During 2010, Laurent-Perrier will be giving Champagne to congratulate any elite athlete medal success among members of the British Athletes Commission. Amy Williams won the women’s skeleton Olympic gold in Vancouver and received a magnum of Grand Siècle to help celebrate her victory.

Australian wine exporter Beelgara has appointed Jaap Sonnemans as its new European market manager. Sonnemans joins the company from

isa McGuigan’s Tempus Two winery, where he was global marketing manager.

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